Page 91 - Canine Lameness

4.4 Diagnostic Tests 63

(A)
Dorsal cutaneous branches:
C5 C6 T2 T3

C5 ventral cutaneous Lateral cutaneous
branch branch of T2
Axillary nerve
Brachiocephalic
nerve
Musculocutaneous
nerve
Ulnar nerve

Radial nerve

(B)
Lateral cutenous
femoral nerve
Cutaneous femoral
nerve
Genitofemoral
nerve Sciatic nerve
Saphenous branch of
the femoral nerve

Fibular nerve
Tibial nerve
Figure 4.5 Cutaneous innervation of the (A) thoracic and (B) pelvic limbs: autonomous zones (i.e. areas
innervated by a single nerve; shaded regions) and the recommended sites for testing (red dots) are shown.

the medial surface of the tarsus and stifle for the saphenous nerve (branch of the femoral nerve),
the caudal aspect of the distal thigh and caudal surface of the tarsus for the sciatic nerve, the plan-
tar surface of the paw for the tibial nerve, and the dorsal surface of the paw for the fibular (pero-
neal) nerve. Cutaneous testing in the cervical region is unreliable in localizing lesions (Table 4.4,
Figure 4.5).

4.4 Diagnostic Tests

The division between musculoskeletal and neurologic disorders is not always straightforward.
Nonetheless, this distinction is important since the diagnostic approaches and therapeutic plans
can vary considerably depending on the cause. To add further confusion, the same patient may